BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1924, Page 9

BRITISH POLITICS.

WORKERS’ WEEKLY CASE

NO INQUIRY TO BE HELD.

QUESTIONS IN COMMONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright. Received Dec. 12, 7.50 p.m. London, Dec. 11. In the' House of Commons, the Premier (Mr. Stanley Baldwin) evoked ironical laughter when replying in the negative to a question as to whether it was proposed to hold an inquiry into the Campbell (Workers’ Weekly) case. The Premier contended that the electorate had given a final and decisive verdict on this subject. He added in this

connection that the Government had reversed its predecessor’s instructions, under which the Attorney-General was directed not to pursue political prosecutions without the sanction of Cabinet. The present Government held that such instruction was unconstitutional, subversive of the administration of justice, and derogatory to the Attorney-Gen-eral’s position. The Opposition leaders protested that they had only followed precedents, and asked for an opportunity to discuss the matter after Christmas.

Replying to Mr. Arthur Ponsonby. Mr. Baldwin stated that the Government was Communicating . with the Governments of the Dominions, and he hoped to be able to make an announcement shortly regarding the proposals for a preliminary inquiry into the system of consultation on matters of foreign policy outlined by Mr. J. H. Thomas (ex-Colonial Secretary) in July. Sir Newton Moore (Conservative) asked whether the Government will propose to alter the Geneva disarmament protocol so as to ensure that such a question as the maintenance of a white Australia shall not be submitted to review by the League of Nations.

Mr. Baldwin . said the Government’s policy regarding the protocol had not yet been settled, But questions of this kind were not’likely to be overlooked.